The channel into Barra de Navidad is long and narrow and wraps around, first to the right, then to the left. There are a number of unmarked shoals and shallow areas making it extremely important to keep a close watch. Every year countless boats go aground or touch the soft sand bottom. Luckily, we have been in and out twice without a problem. It’s such a joy to return to a place we’ve been before and have some familiarity and knowledge of the area.

We left Melaque early this morning to get in and out of the fuel dock in Barra before the wind picked up. There was an attendant standing by to help us dock. Once again, the cost of diesel is outrageous – $4.31 per gallon. We spent $221 to fill both of Penelope’s fuel tanks and two additional 5 gallon jugs. This is the first fuel we’ve taken on since first arriving in Zihuatanejo, several weeks ago. All the same, this cost makes keeping the sails up and the motor off very appealing.

The wind picked up just as we were getting ready to pull away from the fuel dock. The direction of the wind wanted to push Penelope into the dock. This would be okay until we back out to a point where the bow sprit would get blown into the last piling at the end of the pier. I have to stand far out on the bow sprit, fending pole in hand, to make sure we don’t hit.

I get mad a Peter because he frets and worries about every little thing. At the same time, I am beholden to him for his experience and fore site to recognize the many threats all around us.

Safely underway, we have wind out of the west about 10.0 knots. We are making about 3.0 knots on a course of 230 degrees magnetic, under sail, of course. We don’t want to use any of that precious fuel we just purchased.

We are about half way to La Manzanilla in Bahia de Tenacatita. This will be our new home for several weeks.

Bahia de Tenacatita is a large bay, probably 2 – 3 miles across. On the northwest corner, the bay is amply protected from the ocean swell by a large rock outcropping. This means a flat anchorage. To the southeast, 2-3 miles across the bay, is the ancient Mexican town of La Manzanilla. The town is vibrant, charming, rustic, and architecturally appealing with a town square, schools, churches, several vegetable tiendas and many palapas serving salsa, chips and 2 for 1 margaritas. But, all the sail boats with all the cruisers from Canada and the United States anchor on the other side, the quiet side.

It’s a quandary. I want to be where the restaurants and stores and free Wi-Fi are. There is nothing to do over there except swim, snorkel, fish, and visit with the other cruisers. But, I also like to sleep peacefully at night with less rocking.

What’s a girl to do? Peter and I made a deal. We will go back and forth staying 2 days in each place. This way we can enjoy the positive features of each.